Nissan introduces the Sylphy E-Power in China



In a bid to respond to customer demand for cleaner local emissions as well as own internal environmental goals, Nissan has introduced the Sylphy E-Power variant in China.

Manufactured and distributed by Dongfeng Nissan, the Sylphy is the first sedan to be equipped with the innovative series-hybrid powertrain that provides acceleration pleasures of an electric vehicle (EV) rather than a combustion engine. The reason for this is the propulsion of the E-Power hybrid system is done by the electric motor and not the combustion engine.

For this generation of Nissan E-Power system, the internal combustion petrol engine that functions strictly as a battery charger continues to be an ultra-efficient, low-speed 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine. The electric motor meanwhile is taken from the second-generation Nissan Leaf, but tuned to deliver 300 Nm of torque, just 20 Nm lower than in its original installation.   

Recycling is a norm of life in Japan, so it’s no surprise that first-gen Nissan Leaf batteries are re-used! Learn more about it here.

Rated fuel consumption under China’s urban test cycle is an outstanding 3.9 litres per 100 km or 25.64 km/L. The Nissan Sylphy E-Power is the company’s fourth different model to feature the hybrid system that first debuted in Japan in the Nissan Note. The popular Nissan Serena MPV was next, followed by the Nissan Kicks E-Power that made its debut in ASEAN.

Subtle differences which are the new Kumiko-like pattern on the grille and ‘E-Power’ emblems on the doors distinguish this model from the regular Sylphy 1.6 model. New Nissan logos are also used.

There is also a Nissan Note Aura E-Power NISMO, available only in Japan for those who appreciate the high levels of motorsport touches from NISMO.

The all-new Nissan Qashqai is next in line and is said to be featured with a more powerful system to meet the unique requirements of the European market. In Malaysia, Honda uses the same electric motor-prioritised technology for the latest Honda City RS e:HEV, but set up differently where at high-speed cruising, the engine is coupled directly to the front wheels for better overall efficiency.

Inside, the triple circular central air-conditioning vents have been replaced by a slimmer design and paired with a new larger infotainment system. The shift-by-wire controller also features a smaller knob profile.

There is no mention of the retail price, but expect it to be priced competitively, perhaps at the current levels circa CNY150,000 (approx. RM97k).

The new-generation Nissan Sylphy was launched in China back in 2019, with just one engine choice- a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated engine with outputs of up to 135 hp and 159 Nm of torque and priced up to CNY144,900 (approx. RM94k)

Even its government thinks so! There are too many EV automakers in China and plans are in to reduce the number. More on the topic here.

A fully-electric version of the previous-generation Nissan Sylphy was available too, priced from CNY238,000 (approx. RM154k), out of the radar of other established local brands such as Geometry.


GALLERY